The Statesville City Council has approved a sketch plan for 181 new single family homes to be built in the Larkin (formerly Fox Den) Golf Club subdivision.

The final authorization came in June when council members unanimously OK’d an exemption that will permit one of the development’s cul-de-sacs to be longer than normally permitted because of the topography of the area.

Bulldozers have started to clear the land, and with both a new name and developer, local residents are optimistic about the development’s potential.

“While we know there will be some side effects from the construction, we feel this addition will bring new blood into our community and eventually increase our home values,” said Bob Spencer, president of the Larkin HOA board of directors. “We look forward to the new growth.”

Digital Access for only $0.99

There are currently 97 homes in the subdivision. Builder DR Horton will be constructing 181 additional homes, both ranch and two-story style, up to 3,500 square feet, according to developer Stephen Rosenburgh of US Developments LLC in Charlotte.

“We believe we will be offering the only reasonably-priced golf course lots on the north side of Charlotte,” Rosenburgh said. His company took over the project, formerly called Fox Den, in April 2014. The new homes will be priced between $250,000 and $325,000.

“We’re building a combination of traditional housing, as well as active adult style homes, for which there is a great demand in this area,” he said. “Virtually all of the homes will adjoin the Larkin golf course.”

Rosenburgh decided to change the name of the development to Larkin to coincide with the name of the proposed mixed-use community planned for the east side of Interstate 77. A bridge under the interstate connecting the two developments can accommodate pedestrians and golfers.

The first of the new homes are expected to be ready for occupancy in October; two models just opened for display to prospective buyers. HOA fees are $350 annually. For an additional annual fee, residents have access to a clubhouse and swimming pool at the golf course.

There have been some issues in the past as 19 Fox Den homeowners faced possible foreclosure due to a $1 million unpaid loan that Fox Den’s developer borrowed about a decade ago to develop the fourth phase of the golf course community just west of I-77. Thus far, the courts have ruled in the homeowners favor, but another appeal is expected to be heard this fall in Raleigh.

Dave Vieser is a freelance writer. Have a story idea for Dave? Email him at davidvieser@gmail.com.